Every Elementary Student in SLC School District
to Get Child ID Kit
Police, schools to distribute 20,000 kits over five weeks
SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department, in conjunction with the Salt Lake City School District and Lifetouch Photography, is distributing 20,000 Child ID Kits to every elementary school student in the district over the next five weeks.
“Having been involved in several child abduction cases in my career, I cannot emphasize enough the importance personal descriptive information is to effective police response,” said Chris Burbank, Chief of Police. “Child ID kits help increase the odds of a successful recovery should the worst ever occur."
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 2,100 children go missing each year. Law enforcement is better able to respond if parents can provide current information about their child, including the following details and items:
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Height
- Weight
- Date of birth
- Unique physical attributes such as eyeglasses, braces or piercings
- Fingerprints
- Full-color photo of child facing the camera (update every six months until 18)
- Dental records (update every 2 years until 18)
- DNA hair sample (roots intact)
“These kits collect all the vital information law enforcement needs should a child be taken. Filling them out with your child, and updating them annually, also provides the opportunity to talk with your child about personal safety and your family action plan,” said McKell Withers, superintendent for the Salt Lake City School District.
The Police Department will deliver the child ID kits to every district elementary school, which will send the material home with students. Once completed, the kits should be stored in a secure but accessible place.